Morphological and DNA barcode identification of Gynostemma pentaphyllum from Kon Ka Kinh National Park in Vietnam

Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino (Fam: Cucurbitaceae) is a highly valuable medicinal plant found in various provinces of Vietnam, including Cao Bang, Lang Son, Ha Giang, Lao Cai, Vinh Phuc, Lai Chau, Son La, Hoa Binh, Nghe An, Hue, Kon Tum, and Gia Lai. It is known for its ability to lower total blood cholesterol, enhance immunity, and strengthen the body’s resistance. Additionally, it has been shown to inhibit tumor growth. Many times challenges of misidentification arised from its wide geographic distribution and morphological diversity. Therefore this study was focused on the authetic identification of Gynostemma pentaphyllum specimens from Kon Ka Kinh National Park, Vietnam through detailed morphological assessments (stem, leaf, flower, fruit, and seed characteristics) combined with DNA barcoding analysis. The research results revealed several key characteristics for its accurate identification: The plant is a climbing vine with fourangled stems and tendrils. The flowers are small, white, star-shaped, and grow in clusters. The fruits are dry, round, dark green to black, and contain 2–3 brown seeds per fruit. DNA barcode methods and sequencing of the rbcL gene fragment from the leaf tissues revealed 100% nucleotide identity (547/547) with Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) The results of the study confirmed that the describd morphological and DNA barcode analysis can be utilized for reliable identity of this medicinal plant species for better application in healthcare system.